Even the left now hate AOC.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is facing growing backlash from the political left after endorsing yet another establishment-friendly Democrat ahead of the midterm elections. The move has sparked outrage among Democratic Socialist activists, who now accuse the high-profile lawmaker of abandoning her original principles in favor of career advancement.
The controversy erupted after Ocasio-Cortez backed Julie Johnson, a Democrat running in a highly competitive race for a newly redrawn congressional district in Texas. The endorsement came just days after she publicly supported Mary Peltola, another moderate Democrat whose positions on energy and gun policy have angered far-left activists.
Members of the Democratic Socialists of America quickly voiced their frustration, with some openly comparing Ocasio-Cortez to Nancy Pelosi—arguing that she is following the same path from progressive firebrand to party insider.
One activist claimed Ocasio-Cortez has repeatedly shifted her positions to stay aligned with Democratic leadership, pointing to her support for President Biden long after concerns about his viability emerged, as well as her recent endorsements of candidates viewed as ideologically moderate.
Johnson’s voting record has further fueled the backlash. Earlier this year, she supported a multi-billion-dollar foreign aid package for Israel, a vote that sharply conflicts with the DSA’s stated platform. Some activists have even questioned whether Ocasio-Cortez violated internal party resolutions by supporting Johnson.
Critics have also raised concerns about Johnson’s reported stock trades involving Palantir, a firm known for its work with federal agencies, including immigration enforcement—an issue that remains highly divisive among progressive activists.
Inside DSA circles, speculation is growing that Ocasio-Cortez is deliberately repositioning herself as a more “electable” Democrat. Some believe she is laying the groundwork for a future Senate bid against Chuck Schumer, or even a national presidential run.
This is not the first time she has clashed with the socialist movement that helped launch her career. National DSA leaders previously withdrew their endorsement after she supported a House resolution affirming Israel’s right to exist, though she continues to receive backing from local activists in New York.
Political analysts say the shift may be strategic rather than accidental. Lonna Atkeson of Florida State University noted that Ocasio-Cortez appears focused on party unity and winning elections, even if it means distancing herself from ideological hardliners.
Meanwhile, Johnson faces an uphill battle in her primary contest against Colin Allred, who currently holds a sizable polling advantage. The race could ultimately serve as a referendum on whether Ocasio-Cortez’s new approach strengthens her political future—or further alienates the activist base that once championed her rise.